Alzheimer’s is a progressive, degenerative disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. It’s the most common form of dementia, accounting for an estimated 60-80% of all cases. Although there’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, recognizing the early signs can help you get an earlier diagnosis and access to treatments that can help manage the condition. Here are 11 early signs of Alzheimer’s you should be aware of.
What are the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease?
Memory Loss:
One of the earliest and most common symptoms of the disease is difficulty in remembering recently learned information. This is known as short-term memory loss and can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform everyday tasks.
In the early stages of Alzheimer’s, a person may begin to experience mild short-term memory loss, which can be initially dismissed as simply forgetfulness. However, as the disease progresses, this memory loss can become more severe and impact a person’s ability to perform simple tasks such as getting dressed, preparing meals, or even remembering important events and appointments.
The loss of short-term memory can also affect a person’s cognitive skills and abilities. This can include difficulty in problem-solving, decision-making, and completing tasks that require multiple steps. For example, a person with Alzheimer’s may have difficulty following a recipe or operating a piece of equipment that they have used many times before.
